Numerical and experimental studies on hydroelastic behavior of floating structures

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate numerical solutions for the hydroelastic behavior of floating structures with hinge connections under regular waves based on the frequency domain. In order to model the floating structure, we employed a MITC plate element using a mixed formulation, and the fluid-structure interface boundary surface is also discretized to solve coupled equations. Two conditions, a stiffness parameter and characteristic length, are needed to evaluate the region of hydroelasticity. The experimental study is based on measurement of the hydroelastic behavior on a mat-like structure. The measurement is focused on heave motion and bending moment. The results from the experiment are presented to evaluate numerical solutions related to hydroelastic behavior.